Songs can go a long way to help create the perfect anniversary celebrations. As much as you may tell your partner how special they are to you, sometimes a song can really help push that point home.
So without further ado, here are some of the best anniversary songs ever.
“Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
Song Year: 2010
In “Just the Way You Are”, Bruno Mars gives a message we all need to share with our partners, especially during an anniversary.
Your partner is amazing, and this song can be a great reminder to them of that fact. You know it, and hopefully they do to. But vocalizing how amazing they are is important.
“Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
Song Year: 1961
A real classic, and one that’ll likely be perfect for your anniversary. In this slow-paced song, Ben E. King speaks of difficult moments he faces, but also states he can get through anything as long as his lover stays by his side.
Ben knows how to avoid fear and sadness when he has his lover close. Most things are better with a partner, so let yours know.
“Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden
Song Year: 1997
This song emphasizes the natural feelings of falling in love with someone. The singer expresses their desire to be in the sky, the mountains, and among the stars with their lover. The singer wants to support their lover however they can by being everything the lover needs.
“Beautiful in White” by Shane Filan
Song Year: 2017
Some people love to think about their wedding day, so use this one by Shane Filan as a reminder of your special day. The singer talks about how they love seeing their lover in their wedding outfit and appreciate them.
The singer also used to feel intimidated by their lover when they first met, but they got past that point. Couples can reminisce about their past through this song.
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
Song Year: 2011
Some people struggle to move past their doubts and worries regarding love. The singer talks about these feelings but realizes they must overcome those moments if they want to be with the one they love. They see spending time with their lover as a way to free that person from loneliness.
“All the Small Things” by Blink-182
Song Year: 1999
You don’t see many punk-rock songs that work for anniversaries, so this one can be a pleasant surprise for fans of the genre.
The singer goes over how they have a difficult job, but they always look forward to the time they get to spend with their lover. Their lover even buys them things and shows their love often, so they have a healthy and happy relationship.
“Secrets” by OneRepublic
Song Year: 2009
The song doesn’t directly talk about love, but the message can be encouraging for an anniversary. The singer discusses how they want to become more open and honest with someone they love.
They want to share everything and say the right things to make that person happy. The song features smooth and more upbeat notes with uplifting lyrics that invite you to sing along or simply get lost in the emotions they’re invoking.
“Open Arms” by Journey
Song Year: 1982
This power ballad is considered by many among the greatest of all time. The song became an immediate success, connecting with their fans and enticing two encores when it was first performed at a concert.
It’s a slow song that features Steve Perry’s recognizable vocals and aptly includes electric guitar riffs as a reminder that it was released as a part of the Heavy Metal anthology film’s soundtrack.
The lyrics are about remaining open and authentic to your partner because you care about them. The singer recognizes how alone they feel without their lover, so they want to stay together.
“Accidentally in Love” by Counting Crows
Song Year: 2004
This upbeat and fast song was written by Counting Crows lead singer Adam Duritz for Shrek 2, but it drew just as much, if not more, inspiration from his real-life romances. Much like the animated film’s main characters stumbling into love, Duritz had similar experiences at the time.
Given its light-hearted nature, this is a great dance song for kicking off the anniversary on a fun note, especially if you’ve also accidentally fallen in love.
“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer
Song Year: 1998
This hit single by Sixpence None The Richer gained worldwide popularity as the theme song of the romantic comedy film She’s All That. The song delves into physical attraction and the desire to kiss your lover in various locations, letting them have pleasant experiences and feel happy.
The original lyrics were a bit darker, but those parts were ultimately fleshed out to fit the song’s cheery sound. The soft vocals performed by Leigh Nash complete the romantic atmosphere this song always creates.
“Kiss From a Rose” by Seal
Song Year: 1994
Seal wrote this song four years prior to the release of his debut album but wasn’t proud of it, a sentiment he’s maintained ever since. Fortunately, he decided to share the tape with his producer Trevor Noah later on and gifted us with a breathtaking song.
As Seal shied away from explaining the lyrics and expressed his opinion that songs are often about more than a single topic, we can draw our own conclusions about what this song’s about. Among other things, it discusses going through dark moments and viewing your lover as a light; a rose to guide them.
“I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
Song Year: 1998
Some people love every waking moment they spend with their lovers, so Aerosmith emphasizes this idea. The singer vocalizes how they don’t want to go to bed or do anything that involves closing their eyes, so they can always spend time with their lover.
They want to constantly see their lover, which they express in this song’s slower tone. With nothing held back in showcasing the importance of our significant other, this is a powerful song for an anniversary.
“You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago
Song Year: 1984
This classic has a slower pace while emphasizing the love between two people. It mentions how the singer feels like their lover is a crucial part of their life, so they always want to spend time with that person while reassuring them of their feelings.
People use the song’s slower pace to transition into a romantic setting. This can be particularly handy when compiling a playlist for an anniversary and looking for a song that can shift the mood smoothly.
“All About Us” by He Is We feat. Owl City
Song Year: 2011
If you and your loved one enjoy dancing, this song featuring Owl City is likely tailor-made for you. The singer talks about different dance moves and how they love to dance with their lover and have a blast as they spend time together.
They even draw attention to themselves as they dance and express their love through their moves. So if you want to bring that same feeling and energy to your anniversary, you can play this song and have fun with it.
“I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles
Song Year: 1963
If you want something from one of the most beloved bands of all time, you can listen to this classic from The Beatles. The song has a straightforward message of someone expressing their desire to hold hands with the one their lover.
The singer describes how they feel excellent, and love builds whenever they hold hands. So you can use it as a cute invitation to hold hands with your spouse and celebrate your anniversary.
“In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel
Song Year: 1993
This mesmerizing song by Peter Gabriel discusses how he sometimes spends time alone and deals with negative feelings in his heart. He emphasizes how he feels these emotions because he sees the love in the other person’s eyes.
Its moderate speed makes it an excellent song to play during the anniversary. Moreover, it ends with vocals by the renowned Youssou N’Dour in his native Wolof language, as Gabriel drew inspiration from African music and tradition.
“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NADx3-qRxek
Song Year: 1966
Some people want to emphasize their love for their spouse, so they can do so through this song by The Beach Boys. The singer discusses how they feel like they wouldn’t be the person they are today unless they had their lover by their side.
The singer then expresses that they won’t know what to do if they don’t have their lover in their life. The song has a softer tone, making it a great choice as your anniversary night ends.
“The Book of Love” by The Magnetic Field
Song Year: 1999
The song emphasizes the singer’s love for their significant other. They mention how they don’t like to read from the book but like it when their lover reads it. They also love music and when they receive gifts. The song brings attention to recognizing what lovers want to provide for each other.
“Breaking Free” by Troy and Gabriella
Song Year: 2006
If you love Disney songs, you can check out this classic from a popular mid-2000s movie. The singers take turns expressing how they feel about each other, mentioning how they can conquer anything and do well together.
They want to shoot for the stars and feel good while enjoying their time around each other. The softer beginning of the song into the climax can make it a fun song at whatever point you prefer.
“Check Yes, Juliet” by We The Kings
Song Year: 2008
Some people face difficult times, and others put them down when they start a relationship. But, if you want to recognize the beauty of your relationship and how you maintained that love despite those struggles, you can do so through this song. The singer emphasizes how they’ll keep working hard to show their love to their lover.
“Ocean Avenue” by Yellowcard
Song Year: 2003
You can’t go wrong with Yellowcard if you want another fast rock song to make people happy. The song talks about how the lovers spent hours and years together and wanted to maintain that relationship forever. Even when separated, the singer wants to seek their love and be with them when possible.
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers
Song Year: 1988
The singer here expresses their desire to do what they can to be next to their lover, even going long distances to reach that person when necessary. The singer wants their lover to know how much effort they put into the relationship.
“The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson
Song Year: 1987
People love the king of pop, so bust out this classic during your anniversary. The singer goes over how they discovered a pretty woman they like, so they want to seek and maintain a relationship with them. From there, the singer mentions how the lover gives them positive emotions and helps them remain happy.
“Outta Here (feat. Con Bro Chill)” by Papa Ya
Song Year: 2016
The singer mentions how they found someone in a crowded area, and that person wants to leave. However, the singer plans to show the other one how to get out of there.
The two plan to leave the area and enjoy their time together. It works as a great song for an anniversary since the catchy chorus will have you looking forward to the future.
“Umbrella” by Rihanna
Song Year: 2007
People adore Rihanna and her music, so why not play one of her most popular songs during your anniversary? The singer expresses how they want to stay with their famous lover and keep them safe from the rain while allowing them to enjoy the light.
The two will make it through hard times while embracing those brighter moments, so they can feel happy and remain strong. The song offers a solid balance of seriousness, encouragement, and moderate speed.
“Mountain Sound” by Of Monsters and Men
Song Year: 2012
This lesser-known song from Of Monsters and Men has a great beat that dramatically contrasts the sadder moments in the music. The singer talks about how they ran away from their previous life but felt like they were doing better than expected.
They move away from their past with their partner and want to stay together and remain strong. The song can be great as an anniversary song if you and your spouse faced difficult times and moved past them.
“Stolen Dance” by Milky Chance
Song Year: 2013
This song has an exciting beat, making it unique, beautiful, and a great song to enjoy. The singer talks about how they want to be with their lover and hopes that other people won’t try to change their lover’s mind.
The singer wants to keep dancing with the lover and feels like they’re in heaven whenever they spend time together.
“Freeze-Frame” by The J. Geils Band
Song Year: 1982
The J. Geils Band has some fast songs that make it a great one to uplift or put anyone in a good mood. The singer talks about how they came across someone they found beautiful, so they want to take a picture of them and remember the moment forever.
The singer recognizes that the person they love feels the same way about them.
“What I Like About You” by The Romantics
Song Year: 1979
Another upbeat song by The Romantics makes it fun for anyone who wants to dance during their anniversary. The singer talks about how they love to remain close to their lover, speak with each other, and express their love.
The song leaves an open interpretation, making it great for anyone of any gender to express their feelings.
“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
Song Year: 1986
People love Bon Jovi and recognize this as one of his most famous songs. The song discusses how a couple named Tommy and Gina struggle in life, but they can get by as long as they rely on each other despite the difficulties.
The song reminds a couple that they can remain strong and feel happy despite what the world throws at them.
“Nine in the Afternoon” by Panic! At The Disco
Song Year: 2008
Panic! At The Disco introduces a fun mixture of sounds and lyrics focused on the feelings between two lovers. They feel good around each other, love going places together, and spend the evenings expressing their love to each other.
“What Makes You Beautiful” by OneDirection
Song Year: 2011
Some people want hits from the 2010s, so why not go with this one from OneDirection? The singer talks about how the whole world views this one woman as beautiful, but she doesn’t see it in herself. The singer reassures that woman that both her personality and looks are beautiful.
“I’m a Believer” by The Monkees
Song Year: 1966
Some people don’t realize the power of love until they experience it. The song talks about how the singer didn’t believe that love existed, but once they met the person they loved, they started to think that love existed.
Another upbeat song can bring a great mood to your anniversary day, so use it to pump up your spouse and make them feel happy. This one has plenty of fast beats and incredible solos, making it a great dancing song.
“September” by Earth, Wind, & Fire
Song Year: 1978
People love this song by Earth, Wind, & Fire, but they don’t always think about the romantic element of it. The music still has a slower beat, but it also utilizes an upbeat tone to make people feel happy as they listen to the piece.
The singer reminds their lover how they felt as they spent time together in September, so they want to keep those emotions going.
“Marry Me” by Jason Derulo
Song Year: 2013
An anniversary usually focuses on celebrating your wedding, so reminding yourself of those feelings can be great. This song by Jason Derulo keeps it simple by talking about how badly the singer wants to marry their lover. They want to spend time with them and feel happy, so they’ll seal the deal with them.
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Song Year: 1973
As one of the best 70s love songs, this is an ideal track for the anniversary of enduring love. The music works as a love letter where the singer discusses how they view their lover. They use plenty of symbolism and comparisons to demonstrate those feelings through words and music.
The classic song works well for people who plan to express their love for someone close to them.
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” by Elton John
Song Year: 1994
Elton John has produced countless hit songs covering a wide range of topics, and this song stands out when it comes to shared love. The music does a great job focusing on the emotions felt between two people, with the singer talking about how they have a long-reaching love.
The song has a slower pace and smooth style, making it great for those who want to make things slow, simple, and romantic.
Top Anniversary Songs, Final Thoughts
As you look into anniversary songs, you’ll come across great options. From happy anniversary songs to ones with a slower beat, you’ll find pieces perfect for celebrating your anniversary across multiple genres and years.
You’ll find plenty of options based on your personality to make the anniversary fun, memorable, and romantic. So pick your favorites and enjoy the day.